Martha Rose Welch, age 97 of Chanute, passed away on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 at Oak Pointe Assisted Living in Neosho, Missouri.
Martha was born on May 8, 1928 in Chanute, to Gordan J. Willis and Ruth Hall Willis. Martha grew up in Chanute and during her sophomore and junior years of high school, she went to the Assemblies of God High School in Waxahachie, Texas and then returned home for her final school year in Chanute.
She married Larry T. Welch in 1950 and they then moved to Winfield, and raised their three children until 1972, and then moved back to Chanute.
Martha worked at the Bank of Commerce until she retired at the age of 62. She then went to work at Penwell Gabel/ Countryside Funeral Home for 28 years.
Martha loved her church. In fact, it was her life. She loved the whole church family. She played the piano for 50 years, then the flute in the church services. She loved the flowers and spent many hours taking care of her beautiful yard. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry; daughter, LeAnn Welch; brothers, Robert Willis, William Willis, Marion Willis; and sisters, Evelyn Mayfield, and Helen Layton.
She is survived by her two children; Michael T. Welch and wife, Terry of Sarasota, Florida; James R. Welch and wife, Sherry of Neosho, Missouri; four grandchildren, Chris, Hillary, Alaina, and Austin; four great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Trinity, Dean, and Joseph; three great-great grandchildren, Ozzie, Rocket, and Bowie.
Martha loved her family dinners, and always loved having Thanksgiving at home.
A Celebration of Martha’s life will be held at Living Word Assembly on Friday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials can be made in Martha’s name to the Chanute Christian Academy and can be left with Countryside Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home
